Lee County

Lee County, Illinois, is located in the north-central portion of the state, including approximately 729 square miles of predominantly rural scene. Established in 1839 and named after Revolutionary War hero Henry Lee III, Lee County seat is Dixon, a city famously known as the boyhood home of President Ronald Reagan. As of recent census estimates, Lee County has a population of approximately 34,000 residents distributed across several municipalities including Dixon, Amboy, Ashton, Franklin Grove, Paw Paw, Sublette, and West Brooklyn. Lee County is bordered by Whiteside County to the north, DeKalb County to the east, Bureau County to the south, and Ogle County to the west. The Rock River flows through Lee County, providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Major landmarks include the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitor Center, Lowden State Park featuring the iconic Black Hawk Statue, and the historic Lincoln Statue in Dixon. Lee County is characterized by rich agricultural land, with corn and soybean production dominating the rural economy. Lee County government operates through several key offices located primarily in Lee County Courthouse at 112 East Second Street in Dixon. Lee County Clerk maintains vital records and election administration, Lee County Recorder processes property documents and land records, and Lee County Assessor handles property valuations and tax assessment records. Lee County has preserved much of its 19th-century architectural heritage while maintaining modern governmental services for residents and researchers seeking public records.

• Lee County Clerk maintains vital records and election administration, Lee County Recorder of Deeds processes property documents and land records, and Lee Chief County Assessment Officer handles property valuations and tax assessment records.

Lee County Circuit Court is located in Dixon, Illinois and is the court of general jurisdiction for Lee County. It has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Processing times typically range from five to ten business days, though extensions may apply for voluminous requests.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records and may be accessed through formal public records requests.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Illinois allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with information available through the jail or court system.

• Lee County cases are heard by circuit judges who preside over both felony and misdemeanor criminal proceedings, civil litigation exceeding $50,000, and family law matters including divorce and child custody.
• Lee County Circuit Clerk's office provides in-person access to court files during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Lee County offers online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system, allowing users to search by grantor/grantee name, document type, recording date, and legal description.
• Fees for document copies vary: uncertified copies typically cost $1.00 per page while certified copies require an additional $2.00 certification fee plus $1.00 per page.
• Recording fees are established by state statute and vary based on document type and page count.
• The Assessor's office provides property assessment data, tax parcel information, and property characteristic details.
• Researchers can request certified copies of recorded documents by submitting written requests with proper identification and payment.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The fee for a certified birth certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Processing times typically range from four to six weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
• The current fee for a marriage license is $30.00, and certified copies of marriage certificates cost $5.00 each.
• Divorce records are maintained by Lee County Circuit Clerk as part of court case files, with certified copies available for a statutory fee.
• Online ordering of Illinois vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor, at www.vitalchek.com, though additional service fees apply.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The Secretary of State's online business entity search is available at www.ilsos.gov, providing free access to business names, registration dates, agent for service of process, and current status.